Mobile vs. Internet Operators
I just can’t stop thinking about the past and the future: Internet vs. Mobile. Can we learn something?
There is much discussion about mobile operators being THAT monopoly taking the position between mobile users and content. Content and technology providers work through operators who are not capable of adequately servicing ideas coming from marketers. What is the future of this situation?
One of the parallels that everybody refers to is the situation in the past with access to the Internet. Internet Service Providers (ISP), like AOL and Compuserve, were not responsive to user demands until competition forced them to lower prices and lift up attempts at controlling access to the Internet.
As to mobile operators in comparison to ISP, the situation is different. Mobile operators can get severely hurt by ‘inadequate’ actions of service operators whom they should know and trust very well. Is that the explanation for the world we live in?
Let’s imagine a world where Internet is alike mobile network:
• Billing would be possible only through ISP
• Advertising would be possible through ISP portals or email mass mailing
• Domain names would be working only within one ISP
• To launch a web site one has to get an approval from ISP. Launching of a global site is possible but accessing it from a different network will require different IP addresses
• In order to connect your web site to ISP you need a dedicated channel or at least a VLAN/VPN. You need to know the technical stuff.
• There is one easier way, though – every ISP has one or even several content catalogues where you can upload your content. Sometimes such catalogues are managed by outside companies (aggregators).
• Every ISP has its own specific requirements for HTML. Sites need adaptation to every ISP.
• Users have a great selection of sites and services in online catalogues of their ISP – several hundreds, or even thousands!
What some of it reminds you of, the older geek folks? BBS! (Thank you Vit for interesting comparison!)
Let’s remember the life and death of BBS…
